EP292: Abi Macleod, Head of Aspire Recruitment - Challenge your leader!EP292: Abi Macleod, Head of Aspire Recruitment - Challenge your leader!
The Recruiter's Recruitment Podcast
Abi Macleod discusses her career in recruitment, focusing on ethical practices and client partnerships. She shares insights on hybrid work and social media impact.
36:09•15 Sept 2025
Challenge Your Leader: Ethical Recruitment with Abi Macleod
Episode Overview
- Prioritise honesty over placements for long-term success.
- Engage directly with clients to build lasting partnerships.
- Understand the USP of your recruitment business.
- Use data to inform decisions about hybrid working.
- Consider the impact of social media on recruitment outcomes.
“I very much will not place the wrong person into a job. I absolutely won't.”
What drives someone to challenge their leader? This episode of The Recruiter's Recruitment Podcast features Abi Macleod, Head of Aspire Recruitment, who shares her fascinating journey through nearly three decades in the recruitment industry. From her beginnings at Randstad to her significant role at Brook Street, Abi’s career is a testament to perseverance and adaptability. Now leading Aspire Recruitment, a social enterprise, she brings ethical hiring practices to the forefront.
Abi dives into the importance of honesty over placements, arguing that square pegs in round holes lead to future problems. Her approach is not just about filling roles but building lasting partnerships with clients and internal talent teams. Abi’s bold decision to pause LinkedIn activity is a standout moment, revealing how social media can impact recruitment success. Her insights into hybrid working trends, informed by data and personal experience, provide valuable context for recruiters navigating the evolving landscape.
Abi’s emphasis on ethical recruitment challenges listeners to reflect on their practices and consider the broader impact of their work. The episode is packed with practical advice for recruiters aiming to make a genuine difference. From understanding the unique selling proposition (USP) of a recruitment business to the importance of direct client engagement, Abi’s experiences offer a refreshing take on what it means to be successful in recruitment today.
Are you ready to challenge your leader and embrace ethical recruitment practices? Tune in for an engaging conversation that could redefine your approach to recruitment.

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